Administrative Support Associate

Working Title Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Department Coulter Faculty Commons

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.

• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.

• Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
• Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
• Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pretax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( SHRA ).

The Administrative Support Associate provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Coulter Faculty Commons and helps ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the office. The position supports unit staff and student workers; serves as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders; manages communications, scheduling, records, and office workflows; coordinates meetings, programs, awards and major events;

and supports financial operations through budget tracking, reconciliation, and related documentation. The role requires sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through in a collaborative environment serving stakeholders across the university.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Strong organizational and office-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate meetings and events, track , anticipate needs, and complete high-quality work accurately and on time.
• Professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare communications and promotional materials and work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of budget record keeping and financial processes, including tracking commitments and expenditures, reconciling records,…